/// The Great Expedition to The USAT Liberty

16 Jul / 2014

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This week in Lembongan…. Blue Water Express 2 travels inter-island for the divers aboard to explore the wreck of USAT Liberty. Brigadier Stephanie in command of the 6 member squad with field officers Andy and Rein at her side.

The crisp air welcomed the divers on a calm morning, all were ready to dodge the elements to venture to Tulamben were the wreck of the USAT Liberty rests. The journey there took a little over one and a half hours to reach as Blue Water cruised the conditions to deliver the divers in comfort. As the divers descend, the visibility opens its arms to reveal the man made structure in it full and invited all to explore its entirety.

USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-166 in January 1942 and beached on the island of Bali. She had been built as a Design 1037 ship for the United States Shipping Board in World War I and had served in the United States Navy in that war as animal transport USS Liberty (ID-3461). She was also notable as the first ship constructed at Federal Shipbuilding, Kearny, New Jersey. In 1963 a volcanic eruption moved the ship off the beach.

After 3 amazing dives around Tulamben the dive crew started their return journey to Lembongan. On their way home, they found that Poseidon was against them and the complete skills of experienced captain Dedy were put to the test as he delicately manoeuvre the elements to bring all home safely. Full of joy, excitement and satisfaction from the days adventures all involved gather to show off photos and tell stories of the day.